A Note to Benjamin from His Friend, Deesha (Cincinnati, Ohio)

Benjamin,
 
381. Three Words. Eight Letters. One Meaning.
 
On your first day of band camp at the University of Cincinnati in 1996 you stood shy against the wall. You were pale with this long black goth style hair. Someone told me you were there to join the colorguard however when we all were heading out for practice you kind of just stood there until I asked you if you were going to stand there or come practice. We were obviously off to a great start.
 
As the year went on, we grew very close. I always thought that maybe you were gay, but not only was it none of my business, but I really didn't want to label you. And then, we went to the elegant Red Lobster (where we TORE UP those cheddar biscuits) and you commented on how hot the waiter was. I brushed it off because it wasn't important to me that you were gay. Not at all.
 
The college years...scraping up money for 5 piece nuggets at Wendys, riding down the street singing the words to "My boo", being late to a competition because we went to go see RENT, getting pulled over for speeding (with Santrina) while we were making our own remix of a Lauryn Hill song, and laying down next to each other after a long practice with only Fiona Apple and Tori Amos on. And those were the good times.
 
Then there were the not so good which we don't need to reveal because we made it through - TOGETHER. Our friendship has stood the test of time, states apart. It has stood many relationships and trends.
 
Writing this letter, I think of how much we have been through together in 15 years. I have watched you grow so much to become secure in yourself. There was a time where I was really worried about you. I was worried that you would continue to put other people before yourself. I was worried that you would sacrifice for other people's dreams and wants. I want you to understand that your goals are just as important as everyone else's. You had to grow up rather quickly because the world wasn't ready for your fabulousness and it still isn't ready.
 
You will always be my best friend and my dance partner. There is nothing I will not do for you, including frustrate you. It is because we are and will always be soulmates. 381.
 
Love,

Deesha